75 University Avenue West | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3C5Tel: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3385 | Fax: (519) 747-2106 | Email: chooselaurier@wlu.ca

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Part-Time, Distance & Continuing Education

math1911-2011 | Wilfrid Laurier University

1911-2011 | Wilfrid Laurier University

The study of mathematics combines the creativity of the arts with the

discipline of the sciences. Mathematics is the language of all quantitative endeavours. Rigorous training in mathematics develops the logical and critical-thinking skills that are needed in finance, software and hardware design, teaching, insurance, quality assurance and scientific research.

Why study math at Laurier?“Every member of the Mathematics Department is committed to excellence in education,” says Dr. David Vaughan, department chair. “We are available to help our students succeed in the classroom and make the best academic choices. We take a personal interest in each of our students, and are prepared to guide them through the many options available to them.”

Laurier offers several programs in math-

ematics. Students can concentrate in

specific areas of mathematics and applied mathematics, or select from a wider range of courses. Mathematics can be combined with business, biology, chemistry, computer science, finance and accounting and many other disciplines. With two modern computer labs and on-staff lab instructors, the department offers students the opportunity to learn about the practical applications of mathematics, as well as the facilities to explore in-depth concepts encountered in class. In their senior year, students may choose to pursue a project of special interest under the supervision of a faculty member.

Modern applied mathematics is a growing part of the education offered at Laurier. Dr. Roderick Melnik of the Mathematics Department holds a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Mathematical Modelling. His expertise is in advancing the understanding and the control of important systems, and his work bridges many areas of application. With the establishment of this prestigious Canada Research Chair, the department will be able to continue its development of courses and programs that

provide students with important oppor-tunities to explore the interface between mathematics and applications.

About the programsThe Mathematics Department offers both BA and BSc degrees at the honours (20 credits) level. The BSc program emphasizes the role of mathematics and statistics in the natural and computer sciences, while the BA program focuses on the mathematics and statistics used in the social sciences, the humanities and business.

Honours programs prepare students for a career or for graduate studies. Each program has a core of essential mathematics courses, and ample elective room to explore many different areas or to pursue in-depth studies. There is a wide array of mathematics in combination with other disciplines, and academic counselling is always available to help students make the best choices.

Math at Laurier

Denise Gutermuth admits she didn’t even know what pure math was when she started at Laurier. She knows now — and she’s hooked.

“It’s the theoretical aspect of mathematics, the most abstract, which is the most challenging,” she says. Gutermuth completed her Honours BA in Mathematics in 2004 and recently graduated from Laurier’s

master’s program in Mathematics for Science and Finance. She is now employed by the Math-ematics Department as one of two full-time lab coordinators.

“Most people think math is what you do in high school — that there are so many rules. But it’s not like that at all. There’s a lot of creativity to it.”

Gutermuth’s abilities earned her two summer research awards that allowed her to explore “really new stuff” like evolutionary game theory and some areas of abstract algebra, including ordered acts over monoids. NSERC funding also made it possible for her to attend a nine-day

conference on mathematical biology sponsored by the Pacific Institute of Mathematical Sciences, and the Canadian Undergraduate Mathematics Conference.

It’s the theoretical aspect of mathematics, the most abstract, which is the most challenging.

financial mathematicsLaurier’s Honours BA and BSc programs in Financial Mathematics were the first of their kind in North America. These well-es-tablished, innovative programs concentrate on risk assessment and management through mathematical and computational modelling of real-world financial problems in business and industry.

Honours BBA & Honours financial math BA Program The Honours BBA and Honours Financial Mathematics BA program takes great advantage of the mutual support Financial Mathematics and Business can lend each other. In the Business courses, students learn about the many different internal and external business structures and relations, especially in management. In the mathematics courses, students gain the needed quantitative expertise in analyzing risk in business and industry. The overall effect is to give successful graduates a solid understanding of business practices, and the knowledge needed to understand the complex modern financial instruments used to manage risk and generate resources.

Hands-on learningThe Mathematics Department works hard to create an environment that enhances the learning experience of its students. The department has responded to the changes in the high-school curriculum by intro-ducing new courses and updating others. The Calculus Preparation Evaluation is designed to help students make the best choice of courses, and the Mathematics Assistance Centre provides additional help throughout the year. Many courses have a laboratory component, giving students a chance to see mathematics in the context of real-world problems.

Co-op at LaurierHonours arts and science students in co-op complete two work terms of at least 10 weeks each, usually in the summers following their second and third years. Participants receive training in job search techniques and assistance in finding employment related to their studies or career goals.

Why should you consider co-op?• Put theory into action• Apply your technical skills• Clarify your career goals• Develop marketable skills • Gain valuable contacts

recent employers of math co-op students include:• GE Canada, Peterborough• London Life, London• Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Toronto• ConAgra Foods Canada, Mississauga

The management optionHonours arts and science students are also eligible for the Management Option. This option provides fundamental training in key areas of business such as business organization, accounting, marketing, operations and the fundamentals of finance, macroeconomics and micro-economics, business law, personal finance and business management.

For more information, visit www.wlu.ca/calendars.

Options to enhance your degree

ACHiEving SuCCESSour 89.8% student retention rate is one of the best in the province.

Source: Maclean’s University Rankings, 2009.

Dr. Joe Campolieti came to Laurier as the SHARCNET Chair in financial mathematics. Prior to joining Laurier’s Mathematics Department, Campolieti served as an adjunct professor in the Master of Mathematical Finance program at the University of Toronto.

“Financial mathematics combines advances in computer technology with innovative and exciting developments in pricing sophisticated derivative products and in risk management,” says Campolieti. “This program opens up significant career opportunities for students with strong analytical skills.”

This program opens up significant career opportunities for students

with strong analytical skills.

75 University Avenue West | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3C5Tel: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3385 | Fax: (519) 747-2106 | Email: chooselaurier@wlu.ca

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Your future starts here

The master’s programThe department’s MSc in Mathematics for Science and Finance brings together advanced mathematics with cutting-edge applications in the natural sciences and finance-related areas. The MSc program is a natural outgrowth of the department’s emphasis on applicable mathematics, well-suited to students from quantitative disciplines. Strong graduates of Laurier’s undergraduate mathematics programs will be well-prepared for entry into the MSc, and on successful completion, will have the skills in demand in business and industry, and those required for admission to related PhD programs.

Career opportunitiesFinancial institutions throughout the world compete for graduates of financial mathematics programs, including commercial and investment banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and financial consulting firms. There are significant employment opportunities in the aerospace, software design and utility industries, in universities and research institutes, and in government agencies and ministries. Students may also continue their studies in graduate programs in mathematics or financial mathematics at select institutions throughout the world.

Sample undergraduate courses offered Algorithm Analysis

Applied Regression Analysis

Calculus I

Calculus for the Sciences

Combinatorics and Graph Theory

Computational Methods

Differential Equations I

Financial Mathematics

Geometry

Group Theory

Introduction to Analysis

Introduction to Applied Statistical Analysis

Computability and Logic

Introduction to Experimental Design and Analysis

Introduction to Game Theory

Introduction to Sets and Algebra

Introduction to Multivariate Analysis

Introduction to Probability and Statistics

Introduction to Probability Theory

Introduction to the Theory of Statistics

Linear Algebra

Mathematical Modelling

Measure and Integration

AdmiSSion informATionfor the most up-to-date information

about admission to Laurier, go to www.wlu.ca/admissions.